Network scanner system

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/950,791, filed Sep. 28, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,262,887, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/284,066, filed Apr. 7, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,825,942, which is a National Stage Application of PCT/JP98/03490, filed Aug. 5, 1998, which claims priority from Japan 9-213193 filed Aug. 7, 1997, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a network scanner system and in particular to a network scanner system capable of realizing an operational environment for a shared scanner connected to a network in working at offices, which is the same as or better than an operational environment for a locally connected scanner.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, there is a great need to use a scanner to input image information in working at offices, thereby constituting a database or reusing it as documents.

In general, in such a case, a scanner is locally connected to a personal computer (PC), and the user in most uses operates the PC or work station (WS) directly and inputs image information to the scanner.

This mode of use, in which the scanner is locally connected, is suitable to a case where the scanner is provided for personal exclusive use. It is useless, however, to provide an expensive, high-speed and high-performance scanner for personal exclusive use.

In the use in which a great deal of images/documents are treated, there is a higher demand for sharing a high-speed and high-performance, if expensive, scanner with a plurality of users.

In the prior art, even in the case where such a scanner is shared by the users, the general mode of use is such that each user goes to the PC or WS, to which the scanner is connected, performs input operations, transfers or fetches data by some method, and brings the data to his/her own desk for use.

On the other hand, the network-coupled type scanner has recently been developed (Hewlett-Packard; Scanjet 4Si).

However, where this network-coupled type scanner is used, an exclusive application is required on the PC and the application for scanner, which has been used thus far on the PC, cannot be used directly.

In addition, where the network-coupled type scanner is used, if there is a discrepancy in attributes of input images, e.g. size, resolution or density of color, between the time of inputting an image and the time of using the image, the input has to be performed once again.

Specifically, there is a serious problem in operability with the use of the network-coupled scanner, although such a problem is not conspicuous with the scanner connected to the user's own PC directly, that is, locally.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances and its object is to provide a network scanner system wherein an operational environment for a shared scanner connected to a network, which is the same as or better than an operational environment for a locally connected scanner, can be realized, and image information can be input with use of a scanner to constitute a database or reuse the information as documents in working at offices, thereby meeting a need for using a great deal of images/documents.

In order to achieve the object, in the network scanner system of this invention, attribute information of a plurality of terminals connected via a network is managed and image information input from the scanner is stored. Upon request for transfer of image information from each terminal, the image information is selected on the basis of a predetermined determination standard and the image information is converted to have attributes matching with the terminal. The resultant image information is transferred. Thus, each terminal can use the transferred image information with no alteration.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a network scanner system comprising:

a plurality of terminals connected via a network;

storage means, connected via the network, for storing attribute information of each of the plurality of terminals;

image read input means, connected via the network, for reading an image, converting the image to electronically processed image information, and inputting the image information;

temporary storage means for temporarily storing the electronically processed image information input from the image read input means;

reception means for receiving a transfer request, from the plurality of terminals, for transfer of the image information read by the image read input means;

conversion means for reading, when the reception means has received the transfer request for the transfer of the image information from the plurality of terminals, the attribute information of the terminal associated with the transfer request out of the storage means, and converting the image information stored in the temporary storage means on the basis of the read-out attribute information; and

transfer means for transferring via the network the image information converted by the conversion means to the terminal of an origin of the transfer request.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a network scanner system comprising:

a plurality of terminals connected via a network;

image read input means, connected via the network, for reading an image, converting the image to electronically processed image information, and inputting the image information;

document discrimination means for discriminating the kind of document from the electronically processed image information input by the image read input means for each input image information unit;

temporary storage means for temporarily storing the electronically processed image information input from the image read input means;

storage means, connected via the network, for storing attribute information of each of the plurality of terminals and the kind of document for each input image information unit discriminated by the document discrimination means;

reception means for receiving a transfer request, from the plurality of terminals, for transfer of the image information read by the image read input means;

conversion means for reading, when the reception means has received the transfer request for the transfer of the image information from the plurality of terminals, the attribute information of the terminal associated with the request and the kind of document for each input image information unit out of the storage means, and converting the image information stored in the temporary storage means on the basis of the read-out attribute information and kind of document for each input image information unit; and

transfer means for transferring via the network the image information converted by the conversion means to the terminal of an origin of the transfer request.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram showing a system structure of an office network to which a network scanner system according to the present invention is applied;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a view schematically showing the external appearance of the network scanner system according to the invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A and 3B</figref> show screens of operation panels of a control board <b>203</b> controlled by image input operation means <b>105</b>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows an example of a management table <b>400</b> managed by image attribute management means <b>106</b>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows an example of an input instruction screen <b>500</b> from the above-mentioned various applications through input instruction operation means <b>111</b>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a block diagram showing details of transfer image determination means <b>107</b>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> shows an example of image reception control means <b>108</b> wherein communication transfer means <b>701</b> and image display instruction means <b>702</b> are provided;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> shows an example wherein images <b>711</b> to <b>717</b> to be selected are displayed on a display screen <b>710</b> through the image display instruction means <b>702</b>, thereby making the user perform instruction with an arrow <b>718</b> shown in the figure; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows an internal structure of image transfer control means <b>104</b>.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram showing a system structure of an office network to which a network scanner system according to the present invention is applied.

In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, reference numeral <b>100</b> denotes a network scanner apparatus. The network scanner apparatus <b>100</b> comprises means denoted by reference numerals <b>101</b> to <b>106</b>.

Specifically, reference numeral <b>101</b> denotes image read means serving as image read input means for reading an image, converting it to electronically processed image information, and inputting the converted information.

For example, a high-speed, high-performance scanner, etc. is used as the image read means <b>101</b>.

Reference numeral <b>102</b> denotes temporary storage means for temporarily storing image information which has been read and electronically processed by the image read means <b>101</b>.

Reference numeral <b>103</b> denotes image input control means for controlling the image read means <b>101</b> and temporary storage means <b>102</b>. The image input control means <b>103</b> enables the image read means <b>101</b> to read an image, convert it to electronically processed image information, and input the converted information, and also transfers and stores the information in the temporary storage means <b>102</b>.

Reference numeral <b>105</b> denotes image input operation means for controlling an operation panel which the user operates in front of the image read means <b>101</b> in the network scanner apparatus <b>100</b>. In addition, the image input operation means <b>105</b> determines an instruction from the operation panel and controls the image input control means <b>103</b> provided at the lower level, thereby operating the image input.

Reference numeral <b>104</b> denotes image transfer control means for controlling the temporary storage means <b>102</b> and network communication means <b>112</b> and transferring the electronically processed input image information to the origin of request via the network.

Reference numeral <b>106</b> denotes image attribute (storage) management means for storing and managing, as attribute information of each terminal (described later), image attributes of the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage means <b>102</b>, for example, the name of the user inputting the image information, the image size, reading density (resolution), and the distinction between color image and monochromic image.

Reference numeral <b>107</b> denotes transfer image determination means for determining the next transfer image on the basis of the image attributes (attribute information of each terminal) in the image attribute management means <b>106</b> or according to an instruction from the origin of request.

On the other hand, reference numeral <b>110</b> denotes a terminal apparatus of an origin of image request, which comprises means denoted by reference numerals <b>108</b>, <b>109</b> and <b>111</b>.

Specifically, reference numeral <b>108</b> denotes image reception control means for controlling network communication means <b>112</b> and image storage means <b>109</b>, receiving the image information transferred from the network, and storing the image information in the image storage means <b>109</b>.

Reference numeral <b>111</b> denotes input instruction operation means which operates to request an image input to image input means such as the network scanner apparatus <b>100</b> in the network system.

The network scanner apparatus <b>100</b> is connected to the terminal apparatus <b>110</b> of the origin of image request via the network communication means <b>112</b>. Thus, the transfer of images and transmission of various control information can be performed via the network communication means <b>112</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> schematically shows the external appearance of the network scanner system according to this invention.

This network scanner system is constructed such that image input means <b>200</b> serving as the network scanner apparatus <b>100</b> is shared by a plurality of input instruction operation means <b>206</b> serving as the terminal apparatus (PC) of the origin of image request.

Specifically, the image input means <b>200</b> and the plural input instruction operation means <b>206</b> are connected via a network <b>205</b>.

In the image input means <b>200</b>, reference numeral <b>201</b> denotes image read means which is controlled by a control board denoted by reference numeral <b>203</b>.

The control board <b>203</b> is equipped with various control means shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, thereby executing a series of controls.

In the image input means <b>200</b>, reference numeral <b>202</b> denotes an operation panel operated by the user. All operations, such as setting of read modes, input of user ID and execution start of read, can be performed through the operation panel.

The operations and the contents of operations of this network scanner system will now be described.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A and 3B</figref> show screens of the operation panel of the control board <b>203</b> controlled by the image input operation means <b>105</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> show an initial screen <b>300</b> of the operation panel.

An image input <b>301</b> in the initial screen <b>300</b> through the image read means <b>101</b> such as a scanner will now be described.

As is shown in the initial screen <b>300</b>, the network scanner apparatus <b>100</b> may be provided with a copying function through a document copy <b>302</b> with connection to a printer, and a facsimile (FAX) function through a document transmission <b>303</b> with connection to a public network.

For example, if the image input <b>301</b> in the initial screen <b>300</b>, which comprises a touch panel, etc., is instructed, a screen <b>310</b> for instructing an image input mode is displayed as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>.

The user then instructs a user name <b>311</b>, a read density <b>312</b>, a read size <b>313</b> and an input mode of a color image or a monochromic image associated with a read document <b>314</b> in the screen <b>310</b> for instructing the image input mode. Thereafter, a start button <b>320</b> is depressed and the image input is executed.

Thus, the image input operation means <b>105</b> controls the image input control means <b>103</b>, enables the image read means <b>101</b> to read the image in the designated read mode, and temporarily stores the read image in the temporary storage means <b>102</b> as electronically processed input image information.

If the input is thus normally completed, the image input operation means <b>105</b> registers, in the image attribute (storage) management means <b>106</b>, the read mode and the name of the user who instructed the read mode as image attributes (attribute information of each terminal) along with the name of the image file stored in the temporary storage means <b>102</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows an example of a management table <b>400</b> of image attributes (attribute information of each terminal) stored and managed by the image attribute (storage) management means <b>106</b>.

In this case, a read mode <b>405</b> is a read mode indicated by the read density <b>312</b>, the read size <b>313</b> or the read document <b>314</b> of color image or monochromic image.

An image file name <b>402</b> is an image file name stored in the form of a file in the temporary storage means <b>102</b>.

A current pointer <b>401</b> is an instruction pointer for instructing which image is to be transferred, when the user of the input image issues a request. This is the function characterizing the present invention. This image is determined by the transfer image determination means <b>107</b>.

This management table <b>400</b> is further provided with an input date/time <b>403</b>, a user name <b>40</b> and an ID code <b>406</b>.

When the image thus stored in the temporary storage means <b>102</b> is to be used, the user issues various requests based on various applications. For example, the user requests that he/she wishes to use the image as image data on a general application on the PC, to register the image as a document file with a keyword, etc. added to the database, or to perform a character recognition function (OCR) for reuse of documents.

The apparatus <b>110</b> of the origin of image request is, for example, a PC. The image reception control means <b>108</b> and image storage means <b>109</b> are control means on the PC, and the input instruction operation means <b>111</b> indicates various applications.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows an example of an input instruction screen <b>500</b> from the various applications through the input instruction operation means <b>111</b>.

In this case, the application indicates a file edit menu <b>501</b> in the input instruction screen <b>500</b>. The image reception control means <b>108</b> is controlled by the operation of the image input indicated by the arrow. An image transfer request is issued to the image transfer control means <b>104</b> via the network <b>112</b>.

Upon the request, the image transfer control means <b>104</b> takes out the image from the temporary storage means <b>102</b> on the basis of the determination result of the transfer image determination means <b>107</b>, and transfers the image to the image reception control means <b>108</b>.

In the following process, the image reception control means <b>108</b> receives the image and stores it in the image storage means <b>109</b> on the basis of the aforementioned application through the input instruction operation means <b>111</b>.

The transfer image determination means <b>107</b> will now be described.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a detailed block diagram of the transfer image determination means <b>107</b>.

Reference numeral <b>601</b> denotes information exchange means for exchange of information with the image transfer control means <b>104</b> and image attribute management means <b>106</b>.

Reference numerals <b>603</b> to <b>605</b> denote determination means for performing determination, as described below.

When an image request is issued from the apparatus <b>110</b> of the origin of image request, the information exchange means <b>601</b> is kicked by the image transfer control means <b>104</b> and requests the image attributes (attribute information of each terminal) from the image attribute management means <b>106</b>. Based on the instruction from the user, the image to be selected is determined with use of the determination means <b>603</b> to <b>605</b>.

If the determination is “OK”, the information exchange means <b>601</b> updates the current pointer <b>401</b> of image attribute management means <b>106</b> and returns “OK” to the image transfer control means <b>104</b>.

The image transfer control means <b>104</b> takes out, from the image file name <b>402</b> in the management table <b>400</b>, the image file name provided with the current pointer <b>401</b> as mentioned above, and reads out the associated image information from the temporary storage means <b>102</b> and transfers it.

The determination means <b>603</b> causes the apparatus <b>110</b> of the origin of image request to display the already stored image. Thereby, the user is made to instruct which image is to be selected, and the result is reflected on the current pointer <b>401</b>.

This is achieved by providing the image reception control means <b>108</b> with communication transfer means <b>701</b> and image display instruction means <b>702</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>.

Specifically, according to the instruction from the determination means <b>603</b>, the image transfer control means <b>104</b> selects the image to be selected from the temporary storage means <b>102</b> and transfers it to the image display instruction means <b>702</b>.

The image display instruction means <b>702</b> displays images <b>711</b> to <b>717</b> to be selected on a display screen <b>710</b>, as shown in, for example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref>. The user is thus made to give an instruction with an arrow <b>718</b> shown in the figure.

The communication transfer means <b>701</b> informs the determination means <b>603</b> with the result.

The determination means <b>603</b> sets for the selected image the current pointer <b>401</b> of the management table <b>400</b> managed by the image attribute management means <b>106</b> via the information exchange means <b>601</b>.

The application by the input instruction operation means <b>111</b> executes an ordinary image input process, thereby acquiring the image provided with the current pointer <b>401</b>.

This shows that the application by the input instruction operation means <b>111</b> can be used very conveniently with no alteration in the network scanner shared in this manner.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows an internal structure of the image transfer control means <b>104</b>.

Reference numeral <b>801</b> indicates the above-mentioned image transfer control means. This means is characterized by comprising image process function means denoted by reference numerals <b>802</b> and <b>803</b>.

Reference numeral <b>802</b> denotes pixel information conversion means, and reference numeral <b>803</b> pixel density conversion means.

It is preferable from a standpoint of operation that the images <b>711</b> to <b>717</b> displayed by the image display instruction means <b>702</b> be reduced images so that the contents of the images can be understood at a glance.

For this purpose, it is necessary to send the original images to the image display instruction means <b>702</b> after the size of the original images have been converted.

This process is carried out by the pixel density conversion means <b>803</b> provided in the image transfer control means <b>104</b> (image transfer control means <b>801</b>).

The image transfer control means <b>104</b> (image transfer control means <b>801</b>) has a function of selecting the pixel information conversion means <b>802</b> and pixel density conversion means <b>803</b> on the basis of the content of request from the apparatus <b>110</b> of the original of image request, and transferring the image while carrying out the conversion.

The determination means <b>604</b> has a function of automatically selecting the image stored in the temporary storage means <b>102</b>, on the basis of the image input time from the input date/time <b>403</b> on the management table <b>400</b> of the image attribute management means <b>106</b>.

There are three standards for the selection by the determination means <b>604</b>.

According to one standard, a latest image is automatically selected. According to another, an earliest image is automatically selected. According to the other, an image input in a preset time period is automatically selected.

One of the three standards is instructed by a separately provided standard selection means (not shown). Based on the instruction result, the determination means <b>604</b> executes the determination of automatic selection of the image.

For example, in the case where the selection standard is based on the latest image, when the image input is executed by the network scanner apparatus <b>100</b> and the image is to be taken out of the apparatus <b>110</b> of the origin of image request, the determination means <b>604</b> selects already input images successively from the latest one.

In the case where the selection standard is based on the earliest image, the determination means <b>604</b> selects already input images successively from the earliest one in the reverse manner.

In the case where the selection standard is based on the preset time period, the images in the preset time period are successively selected from the latest one or earliest one.

The determination means <b>605</b> has a function of discriminating and selecting a pre-designated image.

In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, reference numeral <b>606</b> denotes discrimination means for discriminating whether the image information is a cover sheet or a document indication, or whether a pre-designated mark is added.

In general, the function of the discrimination means <b>606</b> may be executed by some other server on the network <b>112</b>, in order to perform high-precision discrimination realized by an OCR, a mark reader (OMR), a bar-code reader (BCR), or a combination thereof.

For example, if an image is input, the determination means <b>604</b> immediately causes the discrimination means <b>606</b> to execute a discrimination operation. The discrimination means <b>606</b> determines whether the image corresponds to any one of the above or not. The result is registered on the ID code <b>406</b> in the management table <b>400</b>.

If the determination method is designated in the determination means <b>604</b> by the instruction from the apparatus <b>110</b> of the origin of image request, the image is provided with the current pointer <b>401</b>.

Based on a user identifier input at the time of input, the determination means <b>605</b> determines coincidence/non-coincidence with the user of the request and provides the current pointer <b>401</b>.

The designation by the current pointer <b>401</b> may be flexible, such as “image of designated user” and “image of non-designated user”, or “user A and user B”.

The work efficiency can be greatly improved in the mode of inputting in advance the image information through the network scanner apparatus <b>100</b> and then using it in the apparatus <b>110</b> of the origin of image request, as in the present invention.

There is a case, however, where the input mode at the time of inputting through the network scanner apparatus <b>100</b> does not consist with the output mode at the time of using the input information.

For example, there is a case where an input color image may be used in a monochromic mode, or an image input at a pixel density of 600 dpi may be used at 100 dpi with no problem.

The other feature of the present invention resides in that a difference between the input image and the requested image can be automatically canceled.

As has been described above, the image transfer control means <b>104</b> has the functions as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

The pixel information conversion means <b>802</b> has the following functions:

(1) a function of extracting a luminance component of a color image consisting of a plurality of bits and converting it to a monochromic image;

(2) a function of providing a predetermined color in accordance with a density of a monochromic image;

(3) a function of converting a gray-scale pixel to a dither or an error diffusion image; and

(4) a function of converting a gray-scale color image to a dither or an error diffusion color pixel.

On the other hand, the pixel density conversion means <b>803</b> converts the pixel density from 600 dpi to 300 dpi or from 300 dpi to 400 dpi in accordance with the instruction from the apparatus <b>110</b> of the origin of image request.

At first, the image transfer control means <b>801</b> compares the request specifications relating to the image attributes (attribute information of each terminal) from the apparatus <b>110</b> of the origin of image request, and the attributes of the image stored in the temporary storing means <b>102</b>.

On the basis of the comparison, if conversion is required, the image transfer control means <b>801</b> transfers to the apparatus <b>110</b> of the origin of image request the image which was subjected to the aforementioned predetermined conversion process with use of the pixel information conversion means <b>802</b>, the pixel density conversion means <b>803</b>, or both.

According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a network scanner system with much higher operability than in the prior art, wherein an environment with high operability, like that of individually connected local scanners, can be provided for an image input apparatus shared and connected via a network, and previously input images can be variously converted and images to be used in any applications can be input by a single operation.

Therefore, the present invention, as described above, can provide a network scanner system wherein an operational environment for a shared scanner connected to a network, which is the same as or better than an operational environment for a locally connected scanner, can be realized, and image information can be input with use of a scanner to constitute a database or reuse the information as documents in working at offices, thereby meeting a need for using a great deal of images/documents.